Something exciting happened on October 9th, 2025, at the Government Complex in Lusaka. The Judiciary officially launched the 2025 Child Justice Week (set for 13th–17th October) and the long-awaited Institutional Frameworks for Child Justice.
The event, themed “Empowering Children and Communities: Enhancing Participation, Prevention and Restorative Reintegration in Child Justice,” brought together a wide range of people; from government officials, traditional leaders, and justice institutions and organizations like Undikumbukire Project Zambia (UP Zambia).
Here’s why Institutional Frameworks matter:
The Children’s Code Act No. 12 of 2022 laid the foundation for protecting children who come in conflict with the law: whether as offenders, victims, or witnesses. But it didn’t exactly say how institutions should go about implementing those protections. That’s where these new frameworks come in!
They basically act as a guide for everyone in the justice system beginning with police officers, prosecutors; to know exactly what to do when a child is involved. It’s about making sure every child is treated fairly, with dignity, and given a chance to rebuild their future.
UP Zambia was proud to be part of the technical working group that helped develop these frameworks, bringing in our experience working directly with children in conflict with the law.
The event was graced by His Royal Highness Chief Madzimawe of the N’goni people , Director of Public Prosecutions Mr. Gilbert Phiri, and Minister of Youth, Sport and Art Mr. Elvis Nkandu, along with representatives from the Judiciary, Zambia Police Service, Drug Enforcement Commission, Zambia Correctional Service, and partners like the UN, World Bank, and several embassies.
Here’s a quick look at what was launched:
- Revised National Child Justice Strategy and Action Plan (2022–2026)
- National Diversion Framework
- Handbook on Sexual Violence
- Zambia Police Guidelines on Handling Children in the Justice System
- Prosecutors’ Guidelines on Managing Children in the Justice System
These frameworks are more than just documents; they are a commitment to doing better for children. They put the focus on prevention, rehabilitation, and reintegration instead of punishment.
As we head into Child Justice Week (13–17 October), Zambia is taking real action to make sure that every child who encounters the justice system is treated not as a problem to be punished, but as a life to be restored.
